President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
